Position: The Department of Agricultural Science at Truman State University is seeking applicants for one tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level. This is a full-time appointment on a nine-month contract, beginning August 2020.

Responsibilities: Position includes expectations for Teaching, Research, and Service in the areas of Soil and Plant Science within an undergraduate Agricultural Science program. Teaching responsibilities will include required courses in Soil Science and Plant Science for Agricultural Science majors; elective courses in crop production, soil conservation, plant nutrition/soil fertility, forage crops, and other agronomy topics for students from Agricultural Science and related majors; and a general Agricultural Science course for non-Agriculture majors. Depending on interest and expertise, the person hired will have an opportunity to teach courses in Environmental Science and/or to develop additional courses in a related area of expertise. The successful candidate will be familiar with current topics and techniques in agronomy and will develop an agronomy-focused research program involving undergraduate students, advise undergraduate students and organizations, and serve on related committees within the department, school and University.

Required Qualifications: Position requires a Ph.D. in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Science, or a closely related field at the time of appointment (ABD candidates will be considered with an expected Ph.D. completion before the first year reappointment recommendation date, approximately February 21, 2021.)

Candidates will be evaluated on: academic qualifications; professional experience in production agriculture, resource conservation, or environmental science; teaching philosophy; demonstrated success in teaching; commitment to student development in the liberal arts and sciences; research experience and interest in mentoring undergraduate researchers; evidence of effective communication and interpersonal skills; and compatibility with the department’s needs.

Program: The Department of Agricultural Science at Truman has 6 faculty members, a farm manager, and approximately 110 undergraduate majors. The Department offers a B.S. in Agricultural Science as well as courses in support of Truman’s Liberal Studies Program. Teaching and research laboratories, classrooms, and offices are located in the science building on campus. The Department also utilizes a 400-acre teaching and research farm located one mile from campus, which includes cattle and horse herds and facilities, greenhouses, agronomy research, and other teaching and research facilities. For more information about the Agriculture program, please visit http://agriculture.truman.edu.

The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. The approximately 6,000 students that make up its student body are well prepared for the academic rigors of a highly selective university. More than 20 percent engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Most gain leadership experience, and nearly half go on to graduate school or professional education within a year of earning a degree.

Founded in 1867, Truman is known for its focus on student learning and outcomes, and places an emphasis on high-impact experiences such as internships, research and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state’s public colleges and universities. For more than two decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report. The Washington Monthly has included Truman in the top ten of its master’s university rankings in each of the past seven years. For more information regarding additional rankings and acknowledgements, visit truman.edu/about.

The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to Truman, it is home to A.T. Still University, the world’s first osteopathic medical school, as well as a dental school and a community college. The Kirksville School District is among the best in the state, and the community takes pride in several annual events including the Red Barn Arts and Crafts Festival, the Scottish Highland Games and the Red, White and Blue Festival, among many more. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park, with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Due to its location, Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville regional airport to St. Louis allow for quick access to one of the Midwest’s major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at kirksvillechamber.com.

Application: The application process is handled by the School of Science and Mathematics. Electronic submission of applications is preferred and the process can be completed at http://employment.truman.edu/. Application materials may also be submitted to hrstaff@truman.edu or by mail to Truman State University, Office of Human Resources, 100 E. Normal MC 101, Kirksville, MO 63501. Completed applications must include a letter of application that clearly addresses the qualifications and points of evaluation listed above; statement of teaching philosophy; current curriculum vitae; three letters of recommendation; and official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate college transcripts.

Review of applications will begin on October 25, 2019 and continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final candidates will be expected to undergo and successfully pass a background check.

Questions about this position may be directed to Michael Seipel, Agriculture Department Chair, mseipel@truman.edu.

Truman is an equal employment opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; women and minority candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.